2 Hours Free Parking At Inverness Rose Street Multi-storey Car Park

19th November 2020

In a bid to support Christmas shoppers and the recovery of Inverness city centre - users of Highland Council's Rose Street multi-story car park are to benefit from up to 2 hours free parking pending final officer approval under delegated powers.

Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael said: "I am very pleased that Members of the City of Inverness Area Committee have agreed to a new range of parking tariffs that are designed to increase footfall to the city centre; to help recovery from the impact of coronavirus; and to support retail business in the run-up to the festive season.

"The revision of the parking tariff structure will allow the Council to introduce a cost-neutral change to the parking provision at Rose Street which will favour free short-term parking of up to 2 hours. This cost of this will be covered by a modest increase of 50p for up to 4 or 6 hours. Users staying up to 10, 12, 18 or 24 hours will see a rise of £1 on their parking tickets.

"Compared to other national parking facilities - Rose Street car park is already much lower in price and is highly competitive in its pricing structure. Anyone affected by the modest rise in the long-stay parking can purchase a parking permit that provides over 50% discount on their annual parking fees. This is a win-win situation, which is cost-neutral to the Council and businesses will hopefully benefit from increased footfall in their shops to aid the city centre recovery from COVID-19."

Mike Smith Inverness BID Manager said “We are delighted that the Councillors on the City of Inverness Area Committee have responded to the request by local businesses for support in these difficult times, by agreeing to introduce free short-term parking of up to 2 hours in the Rose Street Multi Storey Car Park. This will support be a major boost for businesses and an attraction to those using the city centre at this vital Christmas trading period."

The proposed tariffs will be implemented as soon as possible and the changes will be promoted at Rose Street car park and by the Council in due course.